What can I do to maintain a good relationship with my grandchild?
If you are a grandparent, it almost goes without saying that you want the very best for your grandchild. Perhaps there are even times when your love and concern feel overwhelming. This can be especially true if you believe the child’s parents could be doing a little better job in some regard. While it may be tempting to step in and try to correct what you believe are mistakes, it is often best to refrain from getting too involved.
Of course taking a hands-off approach can be easier said than done. It is also important to maintain as good a relationship as possible with the child’s parents. The following are a few suggestions to minimize potential conflicts that could threaten your relationship with your grandchild:
- Respect and enforce the boundaries established by the parents. Avoid allowing the child to engage in behavior that goes against the parent’s wishes.
- Do not try to win your grandchild’s affection with excessive gifts or money. Both you and the child will be better served by spending quality time together. Going on trips, or even just playing games and having fun, will create cherished memories.
- Remember that you are not the child’s parent. Ultimately, the job of raising the child belongs to his or her parents, and it is important that you abide by their decisions.
Understanding your role as a grandparent can help you maintain a healthy connection with your grandchild. Moreover, the child’s parent will likely be more eager to have you be part of the child’s life, which will serve to strengthen the entire family’s well-being.
However, you need to have access to the child in order to be part of his or her life. If the parent’s divorce and family disputes have resulted in making it impossible to see your grandchild, there may be steps you can take to correct the situation. A California family law attorney could act on your behalf in an effort to have your visitation rights upheld.
